March 17, 2020 Baltimore County
Further Expansion of the County's Coordinated Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Baltimore County today announced new efforts to further expand Baltimore County's coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to promote social distancing and slow the spread of the virus.
County Government Building Restrictions
Effective immediately, and until further notice, Baltimore County Government will implement the following building procedures and restrictions:
- Visitor access to all Towson Complex Office Buildings, including the County Office Building (COB), Office of Human Resources, Historic Courthouse and the Jefferson Building are now by appointment only. Refer to the table below for contact information for all relevant departments. Signs are posted at all entrances announcing this policy.
- All visitors, and those seeking appointments, will be asked the following screening questions on the phone and upon entrance to all buildings:
- Do you have any of the following symptoms:
- Fever?
- Cough?
- Shortness of breath?
- Are you or anyone that you've had close contact with suspected of having COVID-19 (coronavirus)?
- Payments for property taxes, water bills, parking, red light and speed camera tickets as well as pet licenses can be made online by visiting the Make a Payment page. There is a convenient payment (check only) collection drop-box located outside of Room 150 of the Historic Courthouse.
Updates to this new practice may be changed at any time, and it is suggested that all visitors contact the department that you plan visit to confirm your appointment.
| Department Name | Direct Number to Schedule an Appointment |
| Aging (Appointments preferred, but not mandatory) | 410-887-2594 |
| Budget and Finance: Payments | 410-887-2404 |
| Economic and Workforce Development | 410-887-8000 |
| Environmental Protection and Sustainability | 410-887-3733 |
| Health and Human Services: Food Service Permits Only | 410-887-FOOD (3663) |
| Health and Human Services: COVID-19 Related Questions | 410-887-3816 |
| Human Resources | 410-887-3135 |
| Liquor Board | 410-887-3191 |
| Permits, Approvals and Inspections | General Inquiries - 410-887-3353 Permits Only - 410-887-3900 |
| Planning | 410-887-3211 |
| Public Works | 410-887-3306 |
Fast-Tracking Approvals for Bar and Restaurant Alcohol Delivery
Additionally, to ensure local businesses impacted by Maryland's closure of bars and restaurants can continue to support employees and provide service, Baltimore County today also announced a decision to temporarily allow establishments to deliver alcoholic beverages to citizens in Baltimore County. To be granted this privilege, establishments must:
- Hold a Class A, B, or D license, and
- Have no prior convictions of selling to an underage person in the past 3 years.
Establishments that meet these criteria must send an email requesting delivery rights to liquorboard@baltimorecountymd.gov and Baltimore County will grant formal written approval.
Establishments must adhere to Rule 9 of the Licensed Premises of the Board's Rules and Regulations (PDF).
Establishments with questions can visit the Board of Liquor License Commissioners page or contact the Baltimore County Liquor Board at 410-887-3191 to learn more.
Other Protective Measures
These are the latest actions from Baltimore County government to protect employees and members of the public and minimize the spread of COVID-19. County Executive Johnny Olszewski has issued an and taken the following actions:
- Large Gatherings of Over 50 People Prohibited: County Executive Olszewski issued an executive order prohibiting gatherings or events of more than 50 people at all locations and venues, providing local officials and law enforcement with the authority to enforce the limit. Residents should call 911 to report violations of this order.
- Department of Recreation and Parks Providing Meals: The Department of Recreation and Parks will be offering limited meal distribution to children 18 and under through the Maryland Food Bank and Healthy Food Access St Vincent de Paul of Baltimore. The Department will offer the take-away meals from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays. Meals will be distributed on a first-come first-served basis at the following locations:
- Dundalk PAL Center, 15 Commerce Place, Dundalk, Maryland 21222
- Mars Estates PAL Center, 1498 East Homberg Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21221
- Shady Spring PAL Center, 8876 Goldenwood Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21237
- Hillendale PAL Center, 1111 Halstead Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21234
- Cockeysville PAL Center, 9836 Greenside Drive, Cockeysville, Maryland 21030
- Scotts Branch PAL Center, 3651 Rolling Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21244
- Winfield PAL Center, 8304 Carlson Lane, Baltimore, Maryland 21244
- Woodmoor PAL Center, 7111 Croydon Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21207
- Water Shutoffs Halted: County Executive Johnny Olszewski and Mayor Young announced that neither municipality will turn off water service for failure to pay.
- Evictions Suspended: All evictions have been suspended for the duration of the state of emergency in the County.
- Baltimore County Health Department Hotline: The Baltimore County Department of Health has a hotline for residents to call with questions or concerns about COVID-19: the number is 410-887-3816. The hotline is open seven days a week, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Employee Telework: Baltimore County has instituted telework for all employees who are able to do so.
- Extension of Licenses and Permits: County Executive Olszewski issued an executive order providing an extension of all County licenses, permits, registrations, and other authorizations until 30 days following the end of the local state of emergency. This applies to suspensions concerning payments of late fees owed to Baltimore County.
- Baltimore County Public Libraries Closed: All Baltimore County Public Library branch locations are closed through Sunday, March 29, 2020.
- Baltimore County Senior Centers Closed: All Baltimore County Senior Centers will be closed to the public beginning until further notice. Seniors can call the Maryland Access Point hotline at 410-887-2594. Calls are answered by a team of Certified Information and Assistance Specialists (CIRS), Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
- Department of Recreation and Parks Buildings Closed: All Department of Recreation and Parks buildings are closed to the public until further notice. County parks, trails and open space remain open to the public. All dog parks, playgrounds, skate parks, comfort stations and portable toilets are closed.
- CCBC Classes Canceled: All in-person CCBC classes are canceled through Friday, March 22, and will resume remotely via alternative teaching methods starting Monday, March 23. Online classes will continue to be held as scheduled.
- Suspension of County Travel: Suspending all County government-related travel through April 30, 2020.
The latest updates from the Baltimore County School System, including information on school meals, is available on the BCPS website.
All County residents are encouraged to take the proper precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including regular hand-washing and social distancing as appropriate. All residents, and particularly those at high risk, should follow CDC guidance.
For up-to-date fact sheets and information about COVID-19, please visit the CDC website.
For the latest information from the state of Maryland, please visit the Maryland Department of Health Coronavirus website.
For the latest information from Baltimore County, please visit the Department of Health page.